The Unmerciful Servant
Expository Outlines
Matthew 18:23-35
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king, which would take account of his servants.…


This parable.

I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH LED TO ITS DELIVERY. Our Lord had been giving instructions to his disciples concerning the restoration of an erring brother. The injured party should be ready to forgive.

II. THE SEVERAL PARTS OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. The king is intended to represent the Most High; but He is not too exalted to attend to the concerns of His subjects.

1. A servant is in debt to his sovereign.

(1)  Its amount exceedingly great. Our sin is great.

(2)  This servant being unable to meet his heavy liabilities, the claims of justice are advanced.

(3)  To arrest the execution of the sentence a humble and earnest plea is presented.

(4)  Touched with a feeling of pity the king relinquishes his claims and extends to the debtors a full and free pardon.

2. One servant in debt to another: even to him who had been so heavily in debt himself, but was most generously released from all his obligations.

(1)  A contrast truly appalling.

(2)  A punishment richly deserved.

III. THE PRACTICAL LESSONS IT ENFORCES.

(Expository Outlines)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

WEB: Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants.




The Unmerciful Servant
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